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Recoil is explained by Newton’s third law of motion.[5] It is usually paraphrased as: "to every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction".[6] In simpler terms, when a projectile and the hot gasses go forward, the firearm goes backwards.[5] There are a number of factors that determine the amount of backward force.

Projectile mass - The bullet, shot or shell fired from any size gun has an effect on recoil. The heavier the projectile, the more the recoil.[5]

Speed of the projectile - The faster the bullet, shot or shell, the more the recoil.[5] Also, the recoil will happen quicker than with a low mass projectile. This is felt as a "sharper' recoil by the shooter.[5]

For example, a .22 Long Rifle (the designation of the bullet not the gun) has very little recoil.[7] For this reason is is a caliber recommended for beginning shooters and, because the rounds are cheap, it is good practice ammunition for more experienced shooters.[7] It is a favorite ammunition for target shooting. By comparison, the .500 S&W Magnum handgun round has very heavy recoil.[7] Also, the recoil from the .500 magnum round is more sharply felt since the recoil speed is much greater.

One of the first things new shooters want to know is if a gun will kick them.[8] New shooters learn to hold the gun firmly to reduce and control recoil. If firing a handgun, use both hands.[8] If firing a shotgun or rifle, press it firmly against the shoulder and press your cheek on the gunstock.[8] But, instructors often tell new students that recoil is 80% mental and only 20% physical.[9] In other words, no matter how well you hold the weapon, recoil anticipation can ruin every shot.

Recoil anticipation, or more commonly known as "flinching", is the unintended (not intended or planned mental and physical response to firing a gun. The shooter knows the loud noise and shock of firing the weapon is coming and at the last moment flinches. This often causes an inexperienced shooter to hit low of the intended target.[10] Another form of recoil anticipation is when new shooters unconsciously move the gun forward while pressing the trigger.[10] This is very difficult for instructors to see until the shooter presses the trigger on an empty chamber. Only then can the instructor see the shooter moving the gun forward.[10]

Another problem is jerking the trigger. Instead of smoothly pulling the trigger while concentrating on the target, an inexperienced shooter often "jerks" the trigger.[11] If shooters are consistently hitting low and to the left (right handed shooters) they are usually jerking the trigger.[11] Shooters probably don't understand that quickly yanking the trigger back ruins the shot.

All forms of recoil anticipation are eliminated or reduced through practice.[11] Good instruction in safe firearms practices is also very important.[12]